Share a funny/happy memory you have with a good friend  My recent funny/happy memory with a friend would be with one of my amazing girlfriends, and we actually happen to be housemates!! We were sitting outside in the sun doing some art together, listening to music and singing and be really silly. We took lots of funny selfies with my polaroid camera to capture the fun afternoon we spent together. What do you think helps to expand your friendship circle?  Meeting my partner has drastically expanded my friendship group/circle. I've made many more close friendships since being with him which I'm so grateful for.  This, however, is such a challenging thing to do, and I wonder whether I'd have the friendships that I do now, if it wasn't for meeting my partner.  When I was living alone and not in a relationship, I found this very hard to "expand my circle of friends". Going to the gym classes or yoga was a good way to meet people, just had to muster up the confidence to start small talk with people.    How do you cope with changing friendships? Change for anyone is a difficult and challenging time. I think it is important to practice self-care during these times, I like to be really open and communicate how I feel to my family, or close friends (whom the friendship isnt changing with).  Also talking to my counselor about these situations helps a lot, release some built-up emotions, or explore difficult situations. I believe difficult times are always times where lots of self-growth and expansion happens   ... View more

@Hozzles I'm excited about my big 10 week Canada trip next year!! What is your favourite flavour chocolate? ... View more

Today I am grateful for a day off so I can relax and take the day slowly. ... View more

I'v really enjoyed reading over all of these responses! Thank you everyone, I will ponder these questions and reply soon :) ... View more

Favourite ice-cream flavour?  So Good- Dairy-free chocolate icecream is yummmmm! But I'm also really loving the dairy-free magnums!    What do you consider to be the best TV show of all time? Atypical is really good! In my opinion, it portrays autism really well and the family dynamics are so typical of a normal family so It is really relatable when you watch it.    What is my favourite genre of music:  So.. I don't really listen to music however when I'm doing yoga I always put on the "yoga playlist" on Spotify.    If you could travel back in time, what time would you travel to?  I'd travel back to the last new years eve, I had the most amazing night with all of my friends and we danced and danced and I didn't want the night to be over!     Thank you @Janine-RO and welcome!  ... View more

@Esperanza67 I've read "Big little lies" as well and I'm the same as you, absolutely LOVED it!!! I havn't watched the TV series though as I can be quite skeptical of remakes of books, however, I am curious to see how they've done it! I'm going to watch it in my summer holidays! ... View more

@ecla34 Thank you for this great thread! Funnily has come at a really relevant time for me. I'm one for people-pleasing and notice myself saying yes to all social events, extra-curricular activities, extra work shifts ect.. I like being busy but I'm at the point in the trimester where all my assignments are becoming due so it is a high stress period and I absolutely need to take time for myself and not say yes to everything! Next week I'm going to try and practice saying "no" to social events that I'm not feeling 100% like going to! wish me luck.. ! ... View more

1. Had a good workout at the gym 2. spending the evening with my partner 3. finished off an essay today at uni ... View more

Today my self-care was walking in the sun to the train station instead of using the tram. I tried to use all my senses while i was walking. -I smelt a flower -noticed the beauty of the river I walked next to -listened to the cars and trams passing -tasted the tooth paste still lingering in my mouth -felt the ground beneath my feet ... View more

@ecla34 Sorry I was not online to participate, but i really enjoyed reading back over it all. Has got me thinking about self-positivity. Knowing that I'm doing what's best for me, regardless of other people's actions, beliefs or opinions is one aspect of self-positivity that I'm currently working on. It's so tough when you doubt yourself and compare, but in the end, positive self-talk and self-belief help so much. Reminding ourselves that WE know OURSELVES best! Thank you again for this reminder xox ... View more

@Charlie22 I love baths too, I always put a bath bomb or some Epsom salts which makes it more relaxing.. I think i'm going to do the same tonight after work :) Thank you for the inspiration! ... View more

1. got up this morning and went to the gym 2. had a yummy coffee 3. going to go to work, which i'm looking forward too ... View more

@Jess1-RO How cute, my dog's name is Oscar too :) ... View more

@Jess1-RO brilliant, thank you for doing that ... View more

@Esperanza67 thank you so much! I'll check those out now :) ... View more

@katurian This was beautiful to read, and really made me reflect and hold this gratitude today as well. Thank you for sharing ... View more

@dog_lover94 This reminds me o something I'm grateful for.. I'm grateful for my boyfriend coming with me to Daniels Donuts to do a food challenge (im in anorexia recovery). He was so supportive and made the scary situation way less daunting, in fact I had a lot of fun! ps. Donuts are delicious!! ... View more

@drpenguin yummm! That sounds so delicious ... View more

@xXLexi_Lou122Xx Exercise is a great way to improve your mental well-being. Sounds like you have a lot to be grateful for :) ... View more

@Milkninja222 I agree, everything is always moving so fast, many tasks to be completed, people to see and things to do, therefore, I find taking this small amount of time out so crucial for my mental well-being each day. Glad to hear about your lunch and study! ... View more

@scared01 phone calls can be really difficult, well done! ... View more

Tagging some people :) @ami-lee @CowboyBebop @Decal21 @dog_lover94 @drpenguin @happycat45 @Hozzles @Jane_Rose @katurian @lennycat2017 @lr8991 @Milkninja222 @MisoBear @mspaceK @queenP @reach804 @recharging_introvert @scared01 @skyedre @statuscaring @Tasi @tjayne19 @WheresMySquishy @Dyl @Maryhadalittlelamb @Asche @Bee @ecla34 @ErinsAntics @Esperanza67 @JanaG @letitgo @lokifish @May_ @mrmusic @N1ghtW1ng @Puppies026 @RevzZ@blobby @SomeoneNADJS @Tiny_leaf @Bananatime04 @xXLexi_Lou122Xx @not-an-otter ... View more

Hi everyone!  Today in my yoga class the teacher was talking a lot about gratitude We started the practice by setting an intention for the day and holding onto something we were truly grateful for. Then at the end of the session, we reflected back on that set intention and specific gratitude, sitting with a deep sense of gratitude. It was an amazing, heartfelt experience and it made me think about how I can cultivate this into daily life.   Taking out 5 minutes in my day, each day, to reflect upon what I am grateful for is such a special experience.   Further research into this has lead me to understand that just 5 minutes of gratitude journaling or refection can improve your mental wellbeing!!   So I invite you to sit back and reflect on 1 thing you are GRATEFUL for today...no matter how big or small... anything counts!   Share this gratitude with us all, I would love to read everyone's thoughts and gratitudes within their own lives.   I will start us off...    Today I am truly grateful for the sunshine, feeling it's warmth against my skin, shining down upon me. The sunshine warms up my heart and soul and lifts my mood positively. Thank you for the sunshine today.         ... View more

@MisoBear thank you for sharing the gif about SMART goals. What a great resource and tool for everyone to use. Very much appreciated. ... View more

Today I practiced self-care by listening to my body and doing some stretches when I woke up and decided to change my morning workout to the afternoon because I was too sore this morning.    ... View more

@MisoBear I did the same this morning, such a great form of self-care! ... View more

  Tell us a little bit about your studies I am studying for a Bachelor in Counselling. I am currently in my second out of 3 years of the degree and I am really enjoying it! I've learned so much about other people, why and how others think and even more about myself and how I relate to others. My perception and understanding on mental health and how to relate to others has increased so much.  What do you enjoy about your studies? I enjoy learning about different theorists and different counseling modalities. I also enjoy the social aspect, meeting like-minded individuals and creating great friendships.  What are the signs that you are stressed from studying/experiencing study stress? I get very teary. Easily upset and talk non-stop about assignments because I can't switch off my brain about what is stressing me.  What are your top study stress busters/coping strategies? Going outside Art Journalling Seeing a friend for a walk Talking things out with my partner Set a goal for managing study stress! My goal for this trimester is to prioritize self-care.  Know that I can not spread myself so thin and please everyone, do everything and still expect to achieve the marks of my (very high) standards. Self-care, self-care, self-care!!!! ... View more

1. the sun is shining 2. I got to make myself some poached eggs on toast 3. I have got all the housework done and dusted this morning ... View more

Today I practiced self care by snoozing my alarm at 5:40 am and going to the later gym class ... View more

@Jess1-RO that would be so much fun! I've done a few hiking trips with my mum and I absolutely loved it. Getting out in nature is such a great way to recharge and self-care. That is very handy that you live right near the bush ... View more